BestStart Melling

Welcome to Hiwa-i-te-rangi Room!

A nurturing and engaging space where our pēpi are supported to explore, discover and grow at their own pace. Through warm relationships, meaningful interactions and playful experiences, we create a safe and welcoming environment where tamariki can build confidence and develop a strong sense of belonging.

Learning through play

Our programme is guided by each child's interests and individual rhythms, with plenty of opportunities for exploration, connection and learning through play. From sensory and messy play to outdoor adventures, dramatic play, music and movement, storytelling and shared experiences with caring kaiako, every day brings something new to discover.

Building early literacy and numeracy

We nurture early literacy and numeracy skills through joyful everyday experiences, including waiata, nursery rhymes, finger puppet play and shared reading. These experiences help tamariki develop early language, listening and memory skills, while building an awareness of rhythm, rhyme, counting, patterns and sequencing.

Sensory exploration and discovery

Sensory and messy play provides our youngest tamariki with opportunities to explore different textures, materials and experiences at their own pace. These hands-on experiences encourage curiosity, creativity and discovery while supporting their developing understanding of the world around them.

Growing through connection

Meaningful interactions with caring kaiako help tamariki develop secure relationships, confidence and a strong sense of belonging. We take the time to understand each child's unique needs, interests and rhythms, creating a responsive environment where they feel safe, valued and supported.

Joyful beginnings

We celebrate the joy of early childhood and the wonder of those first steps in learning. Through nurturing relationships, playful experiences and opportunities to explore, we create joyful foundations for lifelong learning while supporting each tamaiti as they grow, connect and develop.

Welcome to Tupu-ā-nuku Room!

A caring and nurturing space where tamariki can explore their natural curiosity through meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. Guided by our play-based philosophy, we provide opportunities for children to discover, learn and grow in an environment where they feel safe, settled and confident.

Learning through everyday experiences

Through everyday experiences and interactions, tamariki develop important life skills such as independence, communication and self-help skills. These experiences help build a strong foundation for future learning while encouraging children to become increasingly confident and capable.

Learning together

Daily mat times encourage tamariki to participate as a group, supporting language development, communication and social skills. We also enjoy special music mat times, where children can sing, move, explore rhythm and express themselves through music in a fun and engaging way.

Baking and practical life skills

Each month, tamariki take part in baking experiences where they can discover different foods and develop healthy eating habits. Baking also provides wonderful opportunities to practise counting and measuring, follow instructions, build independence and work together with others.

Messy play and outdoor exploration

Our outdoor programme includes special messy play experiences that encourage sensory exploration and discovery. Through water, sand, mud, paint and natural materials, tamariki can get creative, explore new textures and develop their understanding of the world around them.

Building fine motor skills

We provide a range of hands-on experiences designed to strengthen fine motor skills, including using tongs, paintbrushes, threading materials and other resources. These activities support hand strength, coordination and control, helping tamariki develop the skills they will use for future writing and learning.

Strong whānau connections

Our kaiako work closely alongside whānau, valuing their aspirations and wishes for their child's growth and development. Through strong partnerships with families, we ensure each child's learning journey is supported, celebrated and responsive to their individual needs.

Preparing for the next step

As tamariki grow and develop, we gently introduce them to the Waitī (Preschool) Room, helping them become familiar and comfortable with their next learning environment. This supports a smooth and confident transition, so children can feel excited about their next learning adventure.

Welcome to Waitī Room!

A calm and nurturing space where tamariki are encouraged to lead their own learning, follow their interests and grow in confidence, independence and capability. We believe children are capable leaders of their learning, and our role as kaiako is to guide, extend and enrich their discoveries.

Learning through interests

Our child-led approach means learning begins with what interests and inspires each tamaiti. Through a wide range of meaningful and engaging experiences, tamariki are encouraged to explore, ask questions and develop their ideas at their own pace.

A balanced approach to learning

We provide a rich and balanced programme where learning is naturally woven into everyday play and routines. Tamariki have opportunities to develop their:

• Literacy and communication skills
• Numeracy and mathematical thinking
• Science and exploration skills
• Physical movement and coordination
• Rhythm, music and creative expression

These experiences support holistic development while keeping learning purposeful, engaging and fun.

Building social and emotional skills

At the heart of Waitī is a warm environment where tamariki feel safe, supported and confident to express themselves. Through intentional teaching and guidance, children develop the skills to recognise and manage their emotions, self-regulate and navigate relationships with others.

Growing confident and capable

As tamariki develop their social and emotional skills, they are empowered to become increasingly independent and confident in their learning. We celebrate their growing capabilities and encourage them to take an active role in their learning journey.

Our goal is to nurture confident, capable and curious learners who feel supported to explore their interests, build positive relationships and take on new challenges with confidence.

Welcome to Waitā Room!

A place where curiosity is celebrated, creativity shines, and a love of learning begins to flourish. Our vibrant and nurturing environment invites tamariki to explore, discover and grow with confidence as they prepare for their exciting journey to school.

Learning through play

Through our play-based approach, tamariki are encouraged to follow their interests, ask questions and make sense of the world around them. Every day brings opportunities to build friendships, develop independence and strengthen the skills they need for a smooth and positive transition to school life. Group times bring children together for storytelling, shared learning and conversation, while our child-led approach ensures every tamaiti has a voice in their learning.

A strong connection to te taiao

At the heart of Waitā Room is our strong connection to te taiao — the natural world. Through gardening, nature exploration and caring for our local environment, tamariki develop a deep appreciation for the world around them and their role as kaitiaki — caring guardians of our planet. These meaningful experiences help children form lasting connections with nature while learning to respect and protect it.

Celebrating culture and identity

We proudly embrace the bicultural heritage of Aotearoa New Zealand, weaving te ao Māori into our everyday learning. Through te reo Māori, waiata, karakia and pūrākau, children develop a sense of belonging, cultural understanding and pride in who they are. We celebrate every child’s identity and create a space where diversity is valued and respected.

Set for School

Our Set for School Programme gently prepares tamariki for the next step in their learning journey. Through fun and engaging experiences, children build confidence in early literacy, numeracy, communication and problem-solving skills.

Our Letter and Number of the Week adds an extra layer of excitement as children explore new concepts in meaningful and playful ways. To support learning beyond the centre, tamariki take home special book bags filled with activities and resources to share with their whānau. These moments create opportunities for connection, nurture a love of reading and strengthen the bridge between home and preschool.

Relationships at the heart

At Waitā Room, relationships are at the heart of everything we do. We believe children learn best when they feel seen, heard and empowered, and we honour their ideas, interests and unique strengths every day. We work closely with whānau and our community to create a strong sense of belonging and connection for every child.

Our goal is simple — to nurture confident, capable and happy learners who are not only ready for school, but excited about the journey ahead, with a deep respect for culture, community and the world around them.